Acting The Part

Chapter 8: Caleb

I didn't expect to see her here. Not like this. But when the doctor stepped aside and there she was, standing in the doorway of the office, everything fell into place.

It's her.

For five days, I'd been obsessing over that night. The way her body moved, the way she'd looked at me, the way she left without a trace. I'd never been the kind of guy to chase after a woman, but something about her... it had gotten under my skin. I couldn't let it go.

So, I found her. I always got what I wanted.

Her eyes were wide with disbelief, like she was seeing a ghost. She had no idea what I was doing here. I watched her for a moment, letting the surprise sink in. Then, turning to the doctor, I gestured calmly.

"Dr. Myers, could you give us a moment of privacy?"

The doctor nodded and left the room without a word, closing the door softly behind her. Now, it was just the two of us. I could feel the tension radiating off her as she stared at me like I was some kind of alien.

"What are you doing here?" she blurted out, her voice shaky, but there was an edge of strength in it.

I smiled, taking a step closer. "I have a proposal for you."

Her brows knitted in confusion. "A... proposal?"

I nodded, keeping my voice steady. "Marry me."

That did it. Her eyes went wide, her mouth falling open slightly as she stared at me like I'd lost my mind.

"Excuse me?" she stammered, shaking her head like she hadn't heard me right. "Marry you? I don't even know you! What are you talking about?"

I could see the disbelief written all over her face, and I didn't blame her. This wasn't exactly a normal situation. But I wasn't a normal guy.

"I'll pay for everything," I said, my voice firm. "All your mother's medical expenses. Everything you need. I'll even help you get the role you've been working for."

She blinked rapidly, clearly trying to process my words. I could see the conflict in her eyes—the desperation, the confusion. She wanted to believe me, but this was too much, too fast.

"You can't be serious," she said, shaking her head again, stepping back. "This is insane."

I took another step toward her, keeping my tone calm, but firm. "I'm serious. Dead serious."

She crossed her arms over her chest, shaking her head in disbelief. "Why would you offer me something like this? I don't even know who you are."

I sighed, realizing that she truly didn't recognize me. She wasn't the type to follow business news or care about the corporate world. She had no idea who I was.

"Caleb Drake," I said, watching her reaction carefully. "CEO-in-waiting of Drake Conglomerate."

Her eyes widened as my name finally registered. The shock was clear on her face, and her mouth opened slightly in surprise. "Oh my God... you're—"

"Filthy rich?" I finished for her, a smirk tugging at my lips. "Yes."

She shook her head again, this time with a hint of anger. "You... you had me investigated, didn't you?"

I didn't flinch. "Of course. How else would I know you needed help?"

Her face flushed with anger, her eyes narrowing. "That's a breach of privacy! You can't just—"

"I'm offering you a solution," I interrupted, my voice steady. "I'm not here to argue about ethics."

She crossed her arms tighter, her frustration building. "Is this some kind of joke? Is there a camera hidden somewhere?" She looked around, her voice laced with disbelief.

I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. "There's no camera. This is real. My offer is real."

She stared at me, her eyes narrowing. "Why would you want to marry me? You don't even know me."

The question hung in the air for a moment. She didn't need to know all the reasons—didn't need to know about the pressure from my grandfather, the board, or the stupid family politics. All she needed to know was that this was her way out.

"I need you," I said simply. I watched her reaction carefully, not elaborating more. She didn't need the whole story. "And you need me more."

She opened her mouth to protest, but I cut her off before she could speak.

"Do you need more reasons?" I asked, my voice lowering a notch. "I'm your only way out. You know that as well as I do."

I could see the conflict in her eyes, the way her mind was racing, trying to make sense of everything. I didn't know how much longer her mother had, but I knew she was desperate. And I was offering her more than just a lifeline.

"If you marry me," I continued, "I'll take care of everything. Your mother's treatment, your career... You'll also receive a generous monthly allowance. And after we divorce, you'll get a hefty alimony. All I ask is that you fulfill the terms of our agreement."

Her eyes widened. "What terms?" she whispered, her voice barely audible, her mind clearly spinning.

I smiled, stepping closer, closing the distance between us. "This marriage needs to look real. To my grandfather, to the board, to everyone. That means we'll remain loyal to each other during the marriage. You'll fulfill your responsibilities as my wife."

I saw her freeze at the implication. She wasn't stupid. She knew exactly what I meant.

"You want me to...?" she trailed off, her breath catching in her throat.

I nodded, my voice steady. "Yes. I expect you to fulfill my physical needs. I don't want my grandfather or the board doubting the legitimacy of this marriage. And let's be honest, our chemistry is off the charts." I smirked, watching her reaction. "Why not hit two birds with one stone?"

She stood there, speechless, her mind clearly struggling to keep up with everything I was throwing at her. I could see the wheels turning in her head, the way her thoughts were racing. She was trying to wrap her head around my proposal, but I knew she was starting to see the truth.

This was her only option.

I took another step closer, my hands moving to her waist, pulling her gently toward me. Her body tensed, her breath quickening, but she didn't pull away. I leaned in, my lips just a hairsbreadth from hers, my voice low and smooth.

"Deal or no deal?"